Container lid and container

ABSTRACT

A container, particularly a drinks can, is closed by a lid having a tear-off opening. Additionally, a rotatable element is provided and used to close the tear-off opening for a consumption seal and/or which covers a symbol and/or a sign which is only visible after opening the seal.

This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/476,181, filedNov. 5, 2003, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a container lid as well to a container.

From DE 296 16 133 a container lid is known, which is used for cans andespecially for drinks cans, and is provided with a container opening,which with an originally sealed container is locked by a sealing latch.For opening the container, said sealing latch can be at least partlyremoved or can be pressed into the container by using an opening ring ora tear-off ring provided on said seal. The container lid is formed oftwo parts and consists of a first lid element to be fastened on acontainer or can body, which is also provided with the sealing latch orthe container opening, and of a second lid element rotatably fastened onthe outer surface or the upper side of the lid. In view of the two-partarrangement the container opening in its open position can be closedagain by correspondingly rotating the second lid element. It isessential to design the second lid element shaped as a circular disk andon its periphery or rim is guided on the first lid element in aform-locking manner.

It is an object of the invention to improve the container lid and topropose an improved and novel container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Also with the container lid of the subject invention, the second lidelement is designed similar to the shape of a circular disk, and its rimis guided along the first lid element in a form-locking manner so thatit is fastened there against lifting from the first lid element. In thisway a sealed closure is guaranteed also with an inner pressure of thecontainer, which is closed again by the second lid element, especiallyif drinks including carbon dioxide are involved, such as soft drinks orbeer.

A special feature of the novel container lid is that the form-lockingconnection between the first lid element and the periphery or rim of thesecond lid element is provided on a rim area of the bottom of the lidsurround the center axis of the lid concentrically, with a radialdistance from the lid edge of the pot-like lid, which edge is formedpreferably ring-type or as a conical ring so that the container lids canbe stacked or nested one above the other when processed within acontainer closure machine in an optimum manner, and also allowsprocessing of the container lid with the usual closure tools.

With the container lid according to the subject invention, the first lidelement is preferably made from sheet metal or from suitable plasticmaterial, such as PET. For manufacturing the second lid element sheetmetal can be used; however, the second lid element is preferably madefrom plastic, which allows optimum design and structure, especially alsothe formation of rounded edged, rims and openings. By using plasticmaterial for at least one lid element scratching of the lid elements canbe avoided, when the lid elements are rotated relative to each other sothat an optically pleasant and also hygienic solution will be obtained.

Guiding the second lid element in a form-locking manner at its peripheryalong the first lid element allows the second lid element with its edgeto engage a ring-like catch on the first lid element, which catchconcentrically surrounds the center axis, for example to engage aring-type groove of the first lid element, which groove surrounds thecenter axis concentrically and is open radially outwardly in view ofsaid center axis, or alternatively to engage a ring-like projectionperipherally on the first lid element which surrounds the center axis ofthe lid concentrically and in an axial direction radially to said centeraxis extends beyond adjacent surfaces of the first lid element. Theperipheral area of the second lid element engaging the ring-type catchon the first lid element can be formed to be continuous or alternativelycan be formed with several segments joining each other in the peripheraldirection. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the ring-typecatch is formed by a plurality of projections provided on the first lidelement, which projections are arranged in a consecutive manner along acircular line surrounding the center axis concentrically.

A sealing element is provided at least on the first and/or the secondlid element either by attaching or applying a corresponding sealingmaterial, or by molding; said sealing material closes the gap betweenthe lid elements at least around the container opening and effectivelyprevents filling material (drinks) from entering the gap between the lidelements.

The second lid element of the container lid according to the inventionis supported or guided also around the center axis on the first lidelement by using a fastening element which can be of the same materialas the first lid element, such as a rivet or a catching rivet or acatching pivot.

According to a further embodiment of the invention the container lid andwith a two-part structure of said container lid the lid elements aremanufactured at least partly from plastic, preferably a transparentplastic, such as PET. With a container lid made of plastic, such as PETor of a first container element a sealing latch is formed for example byan insertion element, which can be made from sheet metal or fromsuitable plastic.

With the subject invention the first and/or the second lid element ofthe repeatedly closeable lid is manufactured from metal or plastic. Thesecond lid element which is rotatably arranged on the first lid elementalso can be made from metal (such as aluminum) or plastic, whereby theplastic material is chosen from food compatible plastic material.

This invention is suitable as a container for liquid filling material,such as drinks. But it is also suitable for a container for powdered,granulated or particle-type filling material, such as cereal, nuts etc.

In order to guarantee a safe sealing effect, the rotatable second lidelement and/or the first lid element is provided with a suitable sealingelement. This sealing element can be applied to said structural elementsubsequent to completing the first or second lid element by any suitabletechnique. If the structural element is made from plastic there is alsothe possibility to manufacture the seal by an injection molding or by anin-mold process.

The tear-off latch can be made from metal or plastic or from acombination of both. Especially, when manufacturing the rotatable lidelement and/or the tear-off latch there is also the possibility not onlyto manufacture the parts by a so-called assembly injection moldingprocess, but at the same time to fasten the parts with each other. Suchassembly injection molding process also can be combined with a twocomponent injection molding process or an in-mold-process, which meansthat manufacturing the rotatable lid element from plastic with thetear-off latch made of a harder plastic material (such as PET), and themolding of the sealing element of a softer plastic material, which againis food-compatible, could be done in one operation step.

If the tear-off latch is a separately manufactured structural element,said latch for example is connected with the lid bottom of the first lidelement and the rotatable lid portion by means of the rivet or pivot pinformed from the material of the lid bottom of the first lid element.Basically, there is also the possibility to attach the tear-off latchpivotably to the rotatable lid element, for example by catching.

Furthermore, there is the possibility to design the tear-off latchand/or the rotatable lid element in such a manner that the tear-offlatch is fixed by being locked in a position extending parallel to theupper side of the rotatable lid element.

Especially, if the central point of rotation of the rotatable lidelement is formed by a trunnion, a pivot pin or a bearing element (alsorivet) provided within the bottom of the first lid element it is usefulto design the sealing element acting between the lid bottom and therotatable lid element in such a manner that it surrounds said pivot pinetc. in a ring-like manner so that a sealing effect is obtained aroundthe pivot pin.

If the first lid element is manufactured from plastic there is thepossibility that an insertion element from metal is provided or isinjection molded within said lid bottom, whereby said insertion elementmade from metal then includes the area which is to be opened byimpressing it in so that the drinking or discharge opening in the usualmanner can be opened in the usual manner by tearing-off.

With containers having a larger volume it is also possible to arrangethe lid bottom of the first lid element with an enlarged diameter. Thislid bottom of the first lid element then is provided with a sectionextending beyond the upper side of the lid bottom of the lid element toa certain extent, which upper side is facing away from the interior ofthe container, is formed in a circular manner and the central axis ofwhich is staggered in view of the center axis of the container. Thissection is provided with the area to be opened by a tearing-off step. Onthis section the rotatable lid element is arranged, which allows forclosing the discharge opening again in such a manner that the rotatablelid element at its rim engages the lid bottom of the first lid elementin a form-locking manner, and in addition thereto is rotatably connectedwith the first lid element within the center of said section by means ofa bearing element.

The design described above has the advantage that in spite of a largediameter of the container and thus in spite of a large container volumefor closing the container again a lid element with relatively smalldiameter can be used, which means a lid element the firmness andstiffness of which already in view of the smaller diameter issufficiently high to obtain the required sealing effect of thecontainer, if closed again, especially at a high inner pressure of thecontainer, as it is for example with a carbon dioxide filling material(such beer, soft drinks, etc.).

The container according to the invention is especially suitable forliquid and solid food, such as drinks, coffee, coffee beans, peanuts,pistachios, pastry, sweets like bonbons etc., salad oil, however, alsofor cosmetics such as shampoos, washing powder, cleaning material, gelsand pastes, but also for technical filling material, such as motor andtransmission lubricants etc.

In general the lid according to the invention is designed in such amanner that it can be processed with the usual closing machines,especially by rolling the first lid element onto the upper rim of thecontainer. For this purpose the lid is formed so that the edge of thefirst lid element is accessible for the tools used therewith.

Furthermore, the lid according to the invention is formed in such amanner that it can be stacked or nested together with a plurality ofequivalent lids within a magazine of the seaming apparatus byinterlocking or interengaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail bydescribing embodiments in connection with the figures, which show:

FIG. 1 in a simplified representation and in top view a reclosable lidfor a drinks can, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a cross section along line I-I of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a partial section through the lid of FIG. 1 corresponding withline II-II;

FIG. 4 in a simplified representation a cross section through the upperpart of a drinks can with the lid according to FIG. 1 closed;

FIG. 5 a representation similar to FIG. 2 of a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 a top view on the rotatable lid element of the lid according tothe invention;

FIG. 7 a cross section according to line III-III of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 a cross section according to line IV-IV of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9-20 in top view and in cross-section additional embodiments ofthe lid according to the invention;

FIGS. 21-24 a first lid element in bottom view, lateral view, in crosssection as well a perspective top view;

FIGS. 25-29 a rotatable second lid element matching the first lidelement of FIGS. 21-24 in top view, lateral view, in cross-section,bottom view and in perspective top view;

FIGS. 30-34 a tear-off latch to be used with a container lid of FIGS.21-29 in top view, front view, cross section and bottom view;

FIGS. 35-38 a rotatable lid element matching the first lid element ofFIGS. 21-24 in top view, lateral view, cross section, bottom view and aperspective top view of a further embodiment;

FIGS. 39-42 a tear-off tongue to be used in connection with therotatable lid element of FIGS. 35-38 in top view, front view, lateralview and bottom view;

FIGS. 43+44 in partial cross section and in top view a furtherembodiment of a container according to the invention;

FIGS. 45+46 in cross section as well in top view the first lid elementof the lid of the container according to FIGS. 43+44;

FIGS. 47-49 a lid element in bottom view, in cross section and in topview of the container of FIGS. 43+44;

FIG. 50 in a simplified representation a partial cross section through arotatable lid element and an embossed area at the non-rotatable lidelement of a first embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 51 a view of the rotatable lid element of FIG. 50 from the bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1-4, reference number 1 refers to a lid to be used for a drinkscan, for example a can for soft drinks or beer which has a lid 1 and acup-like can body 2 on its top side (see FIG. 4). Lid 1 is sealinglyattached to the can body 2 with the lid 1 in the usual manner and withthe usual means, such as by a fold 3 along an upper rim of the can sothat can 1 hermetically seals the interior space 4 of the can againstthe surroundings.

Can body 2 for example is fabricated from metal (aluminum or aluminumalloy) by deep drawing processes or alternatively is fabricated from asuitable plastic, such as PET.

Lid 1 comprises the lid element 5, which for example is also fabricatedin a cup-type shape from sheet metal of aluminum or aluminum alloy bydeep drawing, namely with an even or substantially even lid bottom 6formed as a circular disk, with a lid rim 7, which tapers withincreasing diameter towards the upper side of lid 1 and joins a roundededge section 8 forming the fold 3 when closing the can body 2. Betweenbottom 6 and rim 7 the lid is formed with a ring-like groove 9 whichconcentrically surrounds the center axis M of the lid and is opentowards the upper side of the lid.

Adjacent bottom 6 of the lid and radially staggered in view of thecenter axis M a sealing latch 10 is formed within the material of saidbottom, which latch for opening the can or lid 1 can be pressedimpressed so that when lid 1 is open latch 10 over a partial area stillis connected with bottom 6 of the can and extends into the interiorspace 3 of the can for releasing an opening 11 for drinking, as shown inFIG. 2 by an interrupted line 10′. Latch 10 is manufactured in one piecewith bottom 6 so that the edge line of latch 10 at least over a partialarea is formed by a breaking line, along which the material of thebottom of the lid has a reduced cross section. Latch 10 is reinforced bystrengthening beads or ribs 12.

For opening lid 1 or the opening 11 for drinking the upper side of thelid is provided with an opening or tear-off ring 13, which in top viewof the lid (FIG. 1) is a substantially oval ring 14 with a center web 15with openings 16 and 17 at both sides of the central web 15. A sealinglatch 18 extends into that opening 17, which is arranged nearer to thesealing latch 10. The tear-off ring 13 is fastened to said latch 18 atthe upper side of the lid element 5 adjacent the central axis M by ashort clamping rivet 19 formed from the material of the bottom 6 of thelid. The ring body 14 and the central web 15 are rigidly formed. Latch18 can be bent. At the side opposite to the opening 16 the tear-off ring13 contacts the sealing latch 10 when opening the can.

With an originally closed can the tear-off ring 13 with its ring planeis parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom 6 ofthe lid within the space surrounded by the lid ring 7, which means belowthe lid edge 8 or the rim of the can formed by the fold 3.

A further lid element 20 is arranged rotatable around the center axis Mon the upper side of the bottom 6 of the lid opposite to the interiorspace 4 of the container. Said lid element is shaped as a circular diskand has a peripheral rim 21, which is drawn downwardly and rolled-inslightly; said rim 21 at its interior side facing the center axis Mforms a section 22 which surrounds the center axis M concentrically andforms a groove opened towards the center axis M; across section 22 thelid element 20 overlaps an annular extension 23 surrounding the centeraxis M concentrically in a form locking manner; said extension is formedat the transition of the bottom 6 of the lid towards the joining ringgroove 9 on the lid element 5. By means of rim 21 and projection 23 thelid element 20 along its entire periphery is connected with the lidelement 5 in a form locking manner, especially is also fastened againstlifting from the lid element 5. Inspite thereof the lid element 20 canbe rotated around the central axis M relative to the lid element 5.

In the center of the lid the lid element 20 is rotatably supported onthe lid element 5 by means of a rivet 19. In order to obtain a lowstructural height and especially a small axial dimension for the rivet19 the tear-off ring 13 is provided with an area having a crank 24surrounding the rivet in such a manner that the lid element 20 with anaperture 25 is rotatably supported on said crank of the tear-off ring 13or the latch 18, and the tear-off ring 13 is rotatably connected withthe lid element 5 by means of said crank 24 and said rivet 19 around thecenter axis M.

The lid element 20 with the shown embodiment is fabricated from plastic,preferably a transparent plastic (such as PET) and has an opening 26 ofthe same size and in view of the center axis M also the same arrangementas the drinking opening 11. With originally closed cans the opening 26is coincident with the latch 10 so that by using the tear-off ring 13the lid 1 can be opened in such a manner that the opening 11 fordrinking formed subsequent to impressing the latch 10 is accessiblethrough opening 26. By rotating the lid element 20 relative to the lidelement 5 the opening 11 can be closed again by means of the lid element20.

In order to facilitate rotating the lid element 20 said element 20 isprovided with two handles or followers 28 which extend slightly beyondthe upper side of the lid element 20. The followers 28 are arranged onboth sides of a tear-off ring 13 on a common axis intersecting thecentral axis M.

With the shown embodiment the tear-off ring 13 is rotated around thecenter axis M together with rotating the lid element 20. Accordingly,the lid element 20 at its upper side has two catches or projections 29which extend into the opening 16 and when rotating the lid element 20take along the tear-off ring 13.

Assembling the lid 1 is performed by initially setting-up the lidelement onto the upper side of bottom 6 of the lid and pressing itagainst the bottom 6 in such a manner that the section 22 on thering-type projection 23 is resiliently locked. Subsequent thereto thetear-off ring 23 is set upon the preformed rivet 19 so that crank 24 isarranged within the bore 25 of the lid element 20, and the projections29 engage the opening 16. In a further operation step rivet 19 isdeformed so that the tear-off ring 13 and therewith also the lid element20 is finally supported at the lid element 5.

As FIG. 2 shows the lid element 20 with the shown embodiment isdepressed at the top side, where the tear-off ring 13 is provided inorder to reduce the structural height by this measure.

A substantial detail of lid 1 is seen in that the annular groove 9 aswell the entire height of the lid edge 7 is kept distant from the lidelement, which means is not covered by said element so that lid 1 can beprocessed with the usual closure tools, which require the freeaccessible edge 7 of the lid along the entire height for rolling alongthe edge section 8 and for forming the fold 3.

For sealing the opened drinking opening 11 again by means of the lidelement 20 the lid element 5 has an area with a peripheral seal 30surrounding the drinking opening 11, which seal is provided with an opengroove on the upper side of the bottom 6 of the lid and formed into saidbottom by applying a suitable sealing material.

As a further embodiment FIG. 5 shows a lid 1 a which differs from lid 1substantially in that instead of the seal 30 two seals 31 and 32 areapplied onto the underside of the lid element 20 adjacent the bottom 6of the lid portion 5 a, namely a peripheral seal 31 at the edge areasurrounding the opening 26 and a peripheral seal 32 of the same shape,size and position in view of the center axis M at an area staggered inview of the opening 26 by a predetermined angle around the center axisM. In view of seal 31 and the released drinking opening 11 theintermediate space between the bottom of lid 6 and lid element 20 aroundsaid drinking opening is sealed. Seal 32 seals the transition betweenbottom 6 of the lid and lid element 20 when the latter has been rotatedinto a position in which the drinking opening 11 is closed. With thisembodiment lid element 1 a is provided with stops, which provide thedefined end positions of the lid element 20 for the condition “drinkingopening 11 released” and “drinking opening 11 closed”.

FIGS. 6-8 show in individual representations as a further embodiment ofthe invention a lid element 20 a which can be used instead of the lidelement 20 of FIGS. 1-5. Lid element 20 a differs from lid element 20substantially in that the followers 28 a corresponding to the followers28 are arranged in depressions 33 at the upper side of lid element 20 a,which results in an extremely low structural height. Furthermore, thefollowers 28 are formed in such a manner that they widen towards theirfree end, and form tapered edges there so that the grip is improved.Instead of the applied seals 31 and 32 lid element 20 a is provided withseals formed thereon; only one of said seals, namely seal 31 acorresponding to seal 31 is shown.

Applying the seals 30, 31 or 32 is performed by suitable techniques, forexample by applying a suitable sealing material (elastomer) which curessubsequent to being applied.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show in top view as well in cross section furtherembodiments of a lid 1 b, which differs from lid 1 substantially in thatit is to be used for a can body 2 b fabricated from plastic, preferablyPET. Instead of a metal lid element 5 a lid element 5 b is used which isalso fabricated from plastic, preferably of PET, and the shape of whichcorresponds substantially to the shape of the lid element, however, withthe main difference that the drinking opening 11 in the originallyclosed condition of the drinks can or alternatively of the lid 1 b isclosed by an insert 10 b, which with the shown embodiment ismanufactured from sheet metal and can be pushed inwards by means of thetear-off ring 13 when the can or the lid 1 b is to be opened. Instead ofthe rivet 19 produced by deforming the material a rivet 19 b is formedonto the lid element 5 b. Rivet 19 b is formed as a latching rivet towhich the tear-off ring 13 is fastened with the opening provided on thering latch 18 by a snapping effect. A projection 34 is formed on theupper side of lid element 5 b and engages a part- ring-type recess 35 atthe underside of the lid element 20. Recess 35 extends onto a partialcircle extending concentrically to the center axis M across an angularsector, which corresponds with the admissible area of rotation of lidelement 20 and is chosen so that opening 11 can be closed again byrotating the lid element 20.

Fastening lid 1 b to the can body 2 b is effected by suitable measures,such as ultrasonic welding and/or glueing adjacent a fold 3 b. Lidelement 20 is made from plastic, preferably PET. FIGS. 11 and 12 showthe can body 2 b with the lid element 5 b again, however, with tear-offring 13 and lid element 20 removed.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show representations similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 asfurther embodiments of a lid 1 c which also is intended to be used for aPET can, which means that it is made and is suitable for being used withthe can body 2 b made of plastic (PET). Lid 1 c differs from lid 1 bmainly insofar that instead of the insert portion 10 b an insert portion10 c made from sheet metal is provided, which also forms the rivet 19.FIGS. 15 and 16 show lid element 5 c of lid 1 c when the tear-off ring13 and the lid element 20 are not yet assembled.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show in plan view as well in cross section a lid 1 d fora PET drinks can, which means for being used with can body 2 b. Lid 1 dsubstantially comprises lid element 5 d only, which is fabricated fromsheet metal, such as a sheet of aluminum or aluminum alloy, with a shapecorresponding basically to the shape of lid element 5. Lid element 5 dis sealingly connected with the rim of can body 1 b in a suitablemanner, f.e. by glueing, welding or any other suitable process. Insteadof latch 10 which can be teared-off, lid element 5 d has an opening 36forming the drinking opening, which forms a rim 37 extending into theinterior space of can body 2 b. In order to enable emptying the contentof the drinks can to a full extent, rim 37 is provided with slots oropenings 38 adjacent the underside of the lid element 5 d. By a set-upor screwed-on closure element 39 the opening 37 can be closed. Theassociated threaded end can be provided with a single thread or amultiple thread, preferably with a high pitch so that the closureelement 39 can be removed or alternatively fitted by a limitedrotational movement.

Because the thread for the closure element 39 is provided on the rim 37extending into the interior of the can the closure element 39 onlyextends a small distance beyond the upper side of the bottom of lidelement 5 d, when the can is closed so that the closure element 39 whenclosed extends only a small distance upwardly beyond the bottom of thelid, and in this manner several closed cans can be easily stacked.

The sealing effect between lid element 5 d and closure element 39 forexample is guaranteed by the self-sealing thread or by an additionalseal (not shown). Furthermore, there is the possibility to provide saidclosure element 39 so that safety for originality is obtained in such amanner that when opening the closure element 39 for the first time aplumbing element, such as a perforation is to be destroyed mechanicallyso that an already open can clearly can be realized as being open.

Above, it has been explained that lid element 5 b is manufactured frommetal sheet. Of course, there is the possibility to manufacture this lidelement also from plastic, such as PET; according to FIGS. 19 and 20 thelid marked with le also can be manufactured in one piece with the canbody 2 b already when being manufactured. Filling the can with liquid(drink) is performed through opening 36, which is closed by closureelement 39 subsequent to being filled.

Instead of insert portions 10 b or 10 c made of metal or sheet metalsaid parts also can be made of suitable plastic.

Above, the invention has been described in connection with embodiments.It is understood that a plurality of alterations and changes will bepossible without leaving the basic idea of the invention.

The above description has started from the fact that lid element 20 or20 a has been fabricated from plastic. Of course, there is thepossibility to fabricate such lid elements from metal or sheet metal.Furthermore, independent from the chosen material the rim 21 of the lidelement 20 or 20 a can be segmented or can be provided with cuttings sothat latching this rim at the annular projection 23 will be easier, alsoby an especially effective form-locking engagement of the projection 23by rim 21.

Furthermore, with a sufficiently long rivet 19 it is also possible tosupport the corresponding lid element 20 or 20 a directly on said rivetin a rotatable manner, whereby the described embodiment with therotatable support of lid element 20 or 20 a on said crank has theadvantage of a short rivet 19 and thus a small structural height, andalso avoids an excessive stress of the material when forming the rivet19.

Above, it has been described, too, that the seal 30 provided at thebottom 6 of the lid has been designed as an annular seal surrounding thedrinking opening 11. Preferably, this seal in the rotational directionof the lid element 20 is of a width that in any rotational positions ofthe lid element, especially also in a position in which drinking opening11 and opening 26 overlap each other only partly, the gap or transitionbetween bottom 6 and lid element 20 or 20 a are entirely sealed so thateven if the drinking opening 11 and the opening 26 overlap each otheronly partly, which means when the drinking opening 11 is only partlyopen, filling material such as a drink cannot pass between the bottom 6of the lid and lid element 20. The shape and the path of seal 30 isshown by an interrupted line 30′ of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 21-24 show in different representations the various elements of arepeatedly closable lid 1 f of a further embodiment of the invention.The lid which can be used for the can body 2 again consists of the lidelement 5 f with bottom 6 f of the lid, which element 5 f is fastened tothe can body by rolling-on, and corresponds to lid element 5 and bottom6 of the lid; lid element 5 f with bottom 6 f of the lid for example isfabricated from metal (aluminum) with a shape corresponding to lidelement 5. Furthermore, lid 1 f comprises the rotatable lid element 20 fwhich in view of its function corresponds to lid element 20 and can befabricated from plastic or metal. By means of rivet 19 formed centrallyon bottom 6 f of the lid, the lid element 20 f is rotatably supported atthe bottom 6 f of the lid. Lid element 20 f with its rim 50corresponding to rim 22 is supported in a form-locking manner along itsperiphery by press-on and latching steps, however, is rotatablysupported on lid element 5 f or alternatively on bottom 6 f of the lid.Rim 50 engages the annular projection 51 which corresponds to theprojection 23. Together with the rivet 19 the tear-off latch 52 issupported on the bottom 6 f of the lid or alternatively on the lidelement 20 f.

On the underside facing bottom 6 f of the lid, lid element 20 f has twostops 53 starting from the edge 50, which stops cooperate with aprojection 54, worked out from the material of bottom 6 f of the lid andextending beyond the upper side of said bottom. The two stops 53, whichare 180° staggered against each other in view of the center axis of thelid element 5 f, restrict the rotational movement of the lid element 20f to an angle of about 180° or slightly less.

The bottom 6 f of the lid has an area 55, which is impressed, and whichwhen being impressed releases the drinking opening by means of thetear-off latch 52. Within lid element 20 f an opening 56 is provided,which corresponds to said area 55 or the drinking opening when opened.If lid 1 f is closed (originally sealed) as well if the drinking openingis opened and released, the open area 55 and the opening 56 arecoincident. If lid 1 f is closed again, lid element 20 f is rotated sothat the open area 55 (drinking opening) is covered by lid element 5 f.

At the underside facing bottom 6 f the lid element 20 f is provided witha seal 57 formed similar to a figure eight, which seal on the one handextends along the edge of the opening 56, namely along a section 57′ ofthe seal. Opposite to section 57 a sealing section 57″ is formed as amirror image relative to the symmetrical axis SA. Also the two stops 53are symmetrically arranged in view of the symmetry axis intersecting thecenter axis of lid element 20 f. With opening 56 arranged coincidentwith area 55 the seal with its section 57′ contacts the edge area at thebottom 6 f of the lid surrounding area 55. With the lid 1 f closed againor with the drinking opening (open area 55) closed again section 57″rests against bottom 6 of the lid with the rim surrounding said area 55.As shown, seal 57 is also formed in such a manner that it surrounds thecenter opening 58 within the lid element 5 f for the rivet 19 alongsection 57′″ so that especially with an originally sealed can the lidelement 20 f is sealingly closed adjacent rivet 19 so that for exampleno liquid can flow from the outer side of lid element 20 f between thebottom of the lid and the lid element. The tear-off latch 52 is formedof sheet metal with the usual shape. In addition to projections 59extending beyond the upper side, and having on its upper side the lidelement 20 f moulded and formed followers or handles, is provided withfurther projections 60, which operate as locks for the tear-off latch 52in such a manner that said tear-off latch subsequent to breaking up thearea 55 is returned into a position, in which it is in flat contact withthe upper side of the lid element 20 f and is interlocked with the latchelements 60 by being locked.

Lid 1 f is designed so that it can be stacked within a seaming machineor within a magazine etc. together with a plurality of identical lidsnested between each other, and accordingly can be processed by usualclosure methods. Especially, lid element 20 f is formed as a flatelement.

Seal 57 for example is applied in a suitable manner subsequent tomanufacturing the lid element 20 f. Especially, when manufacturing thelid element 20 f of plastic there is the possibility to mould the seal57 or to manufacture it by an in-mould-process together with the lidelement 20 f. The plastic material for lid element 20 f preferably is amaterial such as PET, suitable for food.

Above, there has been stated that the tear-off latch 52 is made ofmetal. Of course, there is the possibility to manufacture the tear-offlatch partly or entirely of plastic. Furthermore, there is thepossibility when manufacturing the lid element 20 f to mould thetear-off latch onto said lid element by means of a section of materialacting as a hinge.

FIGS. 35-42 show various views of the lid element 20 g as a furtherembodiment. This lid element preferably is made from plastic and differsfrom lid element 20 f substantially in that at the upper side of the lidelement at both sides of opening 58 two bearing elements 61 areprovided, on which a tear-off latch 62 manufactured as a forming elementor an injection moulded part of plastic with pivot pins 63 can befastened by clicking-on. Bearing elements 61 are provided with bearingopenings 64, which are open on one side facing the opening 58, whichwith pivot pins 63 clicked-on surround said pivot pin along a peripheralarea of more than 180°. Because the bearing openings 64 are open towardsthe opening 56, the pivot pins 63 when tearing-off the area 55 in orderto release the discharge or drinking opening will not be pushed out fromtheir bearing elements 61.

By forming the pivot pins 63 and the associated bearing openings 64 in asuitable manner it is possible that tear-off latch 62 subsequent tobreaking-up the drinking opening can be moved back by locking into theposition, in which it is in flat contact with the upper side of the lidelement 20 g. Assembling the lid element 20 g with the bottom (notshown) of the lid, such as bottom 20 f of FIGS. 21-24, can be performedby pressing-on the lid element 20 g and subsequently rivetting with therivet 19 formed from the bottom of the lid. Basically, there is also thepossibility of the so called assembly injection moulding process withwhich the lid element 20 g is injection moulded onto the bottom of thelid, whereby the tear-off latch 62 is assembled. There is also thepossibility to manufacture lid element 20 g with the tear-off latch 62by the so called assembly jet moulding process, according to whichinitially one of two parts is formed by jet moulding, and subsequentthereto the other part will be moulded so that the articulatedconnection between the tear-off latch 62 and the lid element 20 g isobtained.

As especially shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 the pivot pins 63 are arrangedcloser to the one end than to the other. On the one end tear-off latch62 has a ledge-type projection 65 which when breaking-up the area 55 ofthe bottom of the lid releasing the discharge or drinking opening willbe in contact with this area. The other end distant from the pivot pin63 is used as a handle surface for the breaking-up operation.

FIGS. 43-49 show various views, especially different views of theindividual parts of a relockable container with larger volume and with alid, which can be locked again. The container 66 comprises a containerbody or can body 2 h, which at its top side is sealed by means of lid 1h. Lid 1 h includes the lid element 5 h with the bottom 6 h of the lid,which is formed within an area 6 h′ of bottom 6 displaced from thecenter axis BMA of the container by means of section 67 pressed-out fromthe material of bottom 6 h, which section 67 is annular in shaperelative to the center axis M, and the shape of which corresponds to thecenter area, such as bottom 6 of the lid, and especially has a rim 51corresponding to rim 23 which peripherally overlaps the rotatable lidelement 20 h. Section 67 comprises area 68 corresponding to the area 55,and can be compressed so that the drinking opening will be released. Lidelement 20 h is designed similar to lid element 20 b, is rotatablysupported around axis M on section 67, and is fastened against beinglifted by a rivet formed from the material of bottom 6 h adjacent thecenter axis M. So far as it concerns function and structure lid element5 h is equivalent to lid element 20 g. Of course, lid element 20 h alsocan be formed similar to lid element 5 f or any other lid elementdescribed above, especially also in view of the tear-off latch 69 whichcorresponds to tear-off latch 62. The embodiment of FIGS. 43-49 can bedescribed so that for the large volume container 66 bottom 6 h of thelid has an increased diameter and that the relockable section 67 of thebottom of the lid providing the drinking and discharge opening isdesigned according to the lid of a can with a smaller diameter, namelywith the rotatable lid element used in connection with cans andcontainers of smaller diameter.

Above, there has been described that the rotatable lid element 20, 20 f,20 g, 20 h can be rotatably connected with the lid portion by riveting,whereby rivet 19 is formed from the material of the non-rotatable lidportion. However, there is also the possibility of fastening therotatable lid element as well on its periphery as also centrally bylatching and clipping onto element 19 b formed as a stopping pin so thatsubsequent to the latching step element 19 b again operates as a pivotpin for the rotatable lid element 20-20 h.

As shown in FIG. 50 the seals provided on the rotatable lid element,namely seal 57 formed as a narrow web or alternatively sections 57′ and57″ thereof cooperate with an edge area 55′ which is embossed and aboveits upper surface of the bottom 6 f of the lid points away and surroundsthe discharge or drinking opening subsequent to impressing the area 55or 58, as well in the start position of the rotatable lid element if thearea 55 is not yet opened, in which (condition) section 57′ of the seal57 contacts the edge area 55′, as also if the container is closed again,when section 57″ of seal 57 contacts edge area 55′. In this case seal 57according to FIG. 50 is concave in cross section at its lower, freeside, namely with a groove 70, which extends along the seal and is openat its underside so that rotating the rotatable lid element 20-20 h canbe obtained with little effort, and at the same time it is possible toobtain a sealingly closed lid element.

Within FIGS. 50 and 51 reference numeral 71 shows a precessing seal,which also surrounds seal 57 and is provided at the underside of therotatable seal portion 20 f, for example is moulded thereto. Seal 71 hasa tapering cross section towards its free end (FIG. 50) so that theinclination of the outside surface 71′ opposite to seal 57 relative to avertical line in view of the plane of the rotatable lid portion is about5°, and the inclination at the inner surface 71″, namely that sidefacing seal 57 with the shown embodiment is about 15°. As shown in FIG.51, seal 71 is radially inwardly displaced between the two stops 53 sothat stop 54 in each rotational position of the lid element referencedto the rotational axis in view of the seal 71 is displaced radiallyoutwardly, and the seal will not be damaged by stop 54. Seal 71guarantees that for example also in view of the usual washing and dryingoperation subsequent to the filling and closing of a container, nocleaning fluid can pass between the non-rotatable and the rotatable lidelements. Because the seal per se cooperates with a defined area of thenon-rotatable lid element, an optimum sealing effect is obtained. Theheight of the seal 71 is chosen so that peripherally it is only slightlyin contact with the non-rotatable lid element 5 f, however, the sealingeffect is obtained so that an increased force is not required forrotating the rotatable lid element by means of the seal 71. In order tosimplify rotating the rotatable lid element 20 f, a lubricant is addedto the material for the used seal 57 and 71.

As mentioned above, the area 57 forming the discharge opening subsequentto the tearing-off step is provided with an embossed rim 57′. There isthe possibility that said embossed rim with an originally closedcontainer extends into opening 56 of the rotatable lid element,supported by the fact that the non-rotatable lid element in view of aninterior pressure of the originally closed container, such as by the CO₂pressure of the originally closed container, is curved outwardly. Onlywhen breaking-up section 57 the interior pressure escapes so that thecurvature of the non-rotatable lid element is reduced to such an extentthat rotating the rotatable lid element 20 f will be possible.

In addition, there is the possibility to provide different symbols orinformation at the upper surface of the non-rotatable lid element 5 f,such as profit or lottery numbers for profit games, symbols, cancharacterising numbers and the like. Said symbols and statements areapplied so that they will only be visible subsequent to rotating therotatable lid element from the original position into the lockableposition.

Above, there has been described that the corresponding container lid isfastened in a ready assembled condition to the container body, forexample with a lid element rotatably assembled at the bottom of the lidof the non-rotatable lid element, such as by rolling on. Basically,there is also the possibility to design the bottom of the lid and therotatable lid element in such a manner that the rotatable lid elementonly can be applied subsequent to closing the container by means of thenon-rotatable lid element, for example by pushing on and latching or inany other suitable manner. Also in this case it is guaranteed that therotatable lid element is guided at its periphery in a form-lockingmanner, however, is rotatable at the bottom of the lid of thenon-rotatable lid element, and is rotatably connected with this bottomof the lid by means of a pivot pin or the like in the center position.

Again referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, the seals 57 and 71 form sealingmeans which are arranged in between the first lid element 5 f and thesecond lid element 20 f and especially in between the lid base of thefirst lid element 5 f and the second lid element 20 f. At the depictedembodiment, the seal 57 is fixed to that surface side of the second lidelement 20 f, which faced the first lid element 5 f or the lid base ofthe first lid element. The seal 71 is also provided on this surface ofthe second lid element 20 f, although there may be embodiments, in whichat least one of these seals is fixed to the first lid element 5 f or thelid base of this led element.

The seals 57 and 71 are made from a flexible or elastic material, forexample from an elastic or flexible plastic material (elastomer) whichis suitable for seals. Preferably the seals 57 and 71 are made from afoamed material or plastic material with a closed skin at the outer sealsurfaces.

As shown in the figures, the seals 57 and 71 are also made in astrip-like form, that means the seals or sealing material does not coverthe complete surface of the lid base of the first lid element 5 f or thesurface of the second lid element neighboured to said lid base. This isvery important feature which enables the second lid element 20 f to berotated around the centre axis M relative to the first lid element.

The seal 57 with the sections 57′ and 57″, which provide for a shape ofthe seal 57 similar to the figure or number “8” is necessary, in orderto get a tight closing of the container lid or of the opening 55 in thefirst lid element 5 f by the seal section 57″ when the sealing tab isremoved or pressed in for opening the container and the second lidelement 20 f is in its position in which the sealing tab or thecontainer opening 55 is covered or sealed closed by means of the secondlid element 20 f.

The section 57′ is provided to avoid a liquid contained in the container(for example a soft drink) to flow into the gap in between the lidelements 5 f and 20 f, when the second lid element 20 f is in itsposition in which the opening 56 is concurrent with the opening 55 inthe first lid element 5 f. The sealing 71 is necessary to prevent wateror other cleaning liquids to flow in the gap in between the first andsecond lid elements 5 f and 20 f. It is usual that containers are washedwith water or other cleaning liquids after filling and closing with thecontainer lid. For this reason, it is necessary to provide the seal 71and to prevent any liquid from entering the gap in between the first andthe second lid elements 5 f and 20 f. It is also necessary, that theseal 71 surrounds the seal 57 as well as the sealing tab and the opening56.

1. A container lid for locking containers, comprising a first lidelement which can be firmly and tightly connected to a container body,the first lid element having a lid base having at least one sealing tabwhich can be least partly removed or pressed in for opening thecontainer and for releasing a container opening, a lid edge surroundinga central lid axis (M), and an annular groove open toward the upper faceof the lid and concentric with the central lid axis (M) and lid base, asecond lid element having at least one additional opening at the samedistance from the central lid axis (M) as the sealing tab and thecontainer opening, wherein the second container lid element can berotated around the central lid axis (M) relative to the first lidelement at least between one position in which the at least oneadditional opening is congruent with the sealing tab or the containeropening, and a position in which the sealing tab or the containeropening is covered or sealed closed by means of the second lid element,wherein the second lid element is held on the periphery to the first lidelement in a form fitting manner, the periphery of the second lidelement being spaced from the lid edge of the first lid element andengaging under a ring shaped notch or projection formed on the first lidelement and surrounding the lid base of the first lid element, the ringshaped notch or projection is concentric with the central lid axis (M),and wherein seal means is provided in between the first and the secondlid elements in an area surrounded by the annular groove.
 2. Thecontainer lid according to claim 1, wherein the notch or projection isformed at the transition between the lid base and the annular groove. 3.The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means isformed by at least one seal arranged in between the first lid element orthe lid base of the first lid element and the second lid element.
 4. Thecontainer lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal isprovided on the first lid element or on the lid base of this lidelement.
 5. The container lid according to claim 4, wherein the at leastone seal is provided on a surface of the lid base of the first lidelement, which surface faces the second lid element.
 6. The containerlid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is provided on asurface of the second lid element, which surface faces the lid base ofthe first lid element.
 7. A container lid according to claim 3, whereinthe at least one seal surrounds the sealing tab or the containeropening.
 8. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at leastone seal has at least two sections. with one section being arranged suchthat it surrounds the additional opening of the second lid element whenthe second lid element is rotated in the position in which the at leastone additional opening is congruent with the sealing tab or thecontainer opening and with the other section being arranged such that itsurrounds the sealing tab, when the second lid element is rotated in theposition in which the sealing tab or container opening is covered orsealed closed by means of the second lid element.
 9. A container lidaccording to claim 8, wherein the seal with the seal sections has afigure “8” shape.
 10. A container lid according to claim 3, wherein theat least one seal is a stripe-shaped seal.
 11. The container lid asclaimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is made from anelastic sealing material, for example of an elastic plastic material.12. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least oneseal is made from a foamed material, especially foamed plastic materialwith a closed skin on the outer surface of the seal.
 13. The containerlid according to claim 1, wherein the second lid element is fabricatedof metal or sheet metal.
 14. The container lid according to claim 1,wherein the first lid element or the second lid element is made ofmetal.
 15. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising apin or a rivet formed of the material of the first lid element andarranged coaxially to the centre axis (M), said pin or rivet fasteningthe second lid element adjacent the centre axis (M) to the first lidelement.
 16. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprisingan opening ring, which by means of a pin or rivet-type fastening elementis fastened to the first lid element.
 17. The container lid according toclaim 1, wherein said opening ring is provided with a section forming abearing for the second lid element adjacent the centre lid axis (M). 18.The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the second lid elementat its upper surface opposite to the first lid element is provided withdepressions for at least partly receiving the opening ring or forfollowers.
 19. The container lid according to claim 18, wherein saidfollowers are designed for rotating the second lid element at least atgripping positions having a cross-section widening towards the free endof said followers.
 20. The container lid according to claim 1, furthercomprising means formed as followers or extensions for rotating theopening ring together with the second lid element.
 21. The container lidaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one seal is provided on the firstlid element or on the second lid element for sealing the transitionbetween the first and the second lid element at least around thecontainer opening.
 22. The container lid according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one seal is attached by forming or by applying a sealingmaterial.
 23. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein at leastone seal extends at least in the rotational direction of the second lidelement laterally in view of the container opening at least across anarea which is equal or substantially equal to the dimension of theadditional opening in rotational direction of the second lid element.24. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the first lidelement or the lid bottom thereof, or the second rotatable lid element,or at least one seal or an opening ring is manufactured by forming, orby an assembly injection moulding process, or a two component injectionmolding process in one run.
 25. The container lid according to claim 1,wherein when manufacturing the first lid element the lid bottom isprovided at least with an insert of metal in which the tear-offcontainer opening is formed.
 26. The container lid according to claim 16wherein the opening ring is pivotally attached to a rotatable second lidelement.
 27. The container lid according to claim 16, wherein theopening ring is assembled by latchingly engaging a rotatable lidelement.
 28. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein therotatable lid element is designed so that it can be fastened alsosubsequent to fastening the first lid element onto a container byclipping it onto a lid bottom or latchingly engaging the lid bottom. 29.The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid base of thefirst lid element is provided with a section staggered in view of thelid centre axis and provided with a tear-off container opening, and towhich a rotatable lid element is rotatable attached, whereby thediameter of the rotatable lid element is smaller than the diameter ofthe lid bottom.
 30. The container lid according to claim 3, furthercomprising an additional peripherally extending seal.
 31. The containerlid according to claim 1, further comprising means blocking therotatable lid element before the container opening is torn-off.
 32. Thecontainer lid according to claim 1, further comprising symbols orindications at the upper surface of the non-rotatable lid element facingthe rotatable lid element, whereby said indications will become visibleonly when rotating the rotatable lid element from a starting positionthrough the additional opening of the rotatable lid element.